How to Change Your WiFi Network Name and Password

Where to find your router settings

Your router's settings live in a web page you reach through any browser on your home network. To get there, you need three things: your router's IP address (usually printed on the router itself), your current username, and your current password. Most home routers use the IP address 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 — check the sticker on your router to be sure.

Open any web browser and type the IP address into the address bar, then press Enter. A login page will appear. Enter your current username and password. If you have never changed these, they are usually "admin" for both, or printed on the router's label. Once you log in, you are inside your router's control panel.

Different router brands arrange their menus differently, but the settings you need are always labeled something like "Wireless", "WiFi", "Network Name", or "SSID". Look for a section that mentions wireless or network settings — that is where you change both the name and password.

Key Takeaways

• You reach your router settings by typing its IP address (usually 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1) into a web browser on a device connected to your network.
• The wireless or WiFi settings section is where you change both your network name and password, though the exact location varies by router brand.
• Your new password should be at least 12 characters long and include uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols for security.
• After you save changes, your router will restart and disconnect all devices — you will need to reconnect using the new password.
• Write down your new password and store it somewhere safe before you make changes, so you do not lock yourself out.

Changing your network name (SSID)

Once you are logged into your router, find the wireless settings section. You will see a field labeled "Network Name", "SSID", or "Wireless Network Name". This is the name that appears when you search for WiFi networks on your phone or computer. Click in that field and replace the current name with whatever you want to call your network.

Choose a name that is straightforward to remember but does not reveal personal information. Avoid using your last name, address, or phone number. A name like "HomeNetwork" or "GuestWiFi" works fine. Keep it under 32 characters — most routers have this limit.

After you type the new name, look for a "Save" or "explore" button. Click it. Your router will restart, which usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet will drop and all connected devices will disconnect.

Changing your network password

In the same wireless settings section, find the field labeled "Password", "Passphrase", "Pre-Shared Key", or "Security Key". This is the password people enter when they connect to your network. Click in that field and delete the current password, then type your new one.

Make your password strong: at least 12 characters long, with a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols. A password like "BlueSky#2024Home" is much stronger than "password123". Avoid dictionary words, birthdates, or sequences like "123456".

Before you save, write down your new password on paper or in a password manager. Once you click "Save" or "explore", your router will restart and disconnect everyone. If you forget the password before writing it down, you will have to reset your entire router to factory settings and start over.

What happens when you save changes

When you click "Save" or "explore", your router begins restarting. This process usually takes 30 seconds to two minutes. During this time, your internet connection will stop working, and every device connected to your WiFi — phones, computers, tablets, smart home devices — will disconnect automatically.

Do not unplug your router during this restart. Let it complete on its own. You will know it is done when the lights on the front of the router stop blinking rapidly and return to their normal pattern.

After the restart is complete, your old network name will disappear from the list of available networks. Your new network name will appear instead. Any device that was connected to the old network will show an error message saying it cannot connect — this is normal and expected.

Reconnecting your devices after the change

On each device you want to reconnect, open the WiFi network list and look for your new network name. Click on it and enter your new password exactly as you typed it — passwords are case-sensitive, so "BlueSky#2024Home" is different from "bluesky#2024home".

Start with devices you use most often: your phone, computer, or tablet. Once those are reconnected and working, move on to other devices like smart speakers, security cameras, or smart thermostats. These devices may take longer to reconnect or may require you to re-enter the password through their own app or settings menu.

If a device will not reconnect, try these steps: forget the network on that device (in its WiFi settings), restart the device, then search for and reconnect to the network using the new password. If it still will not work, check whether that device supports the security type your router is using — older devices sometimes cannot connect to newer security standards.

If you get locked out of your router

If you forget your router password or cannot log back into the settings page, you will need to reset your router to factory settings. This erases all your changes, including the new network name and password you just created, and returns everything to the default state.

To reset your router, locate the small "Reset" button on the back or bottom of the device. Use a paperclip or pen to press and hold it for 10 to 15 seconds while the router is powered on. The lights will flash, and the router will restart. Once it is done, you can log back in using the default username and password printed on the router's label.

After a factory reset, you will need to set up your network name and password again from scratch. This is why writing down your new password before saving changes is so important — it prevents you from having to do this entire process twice.

Security settings and encryption types

In your wireless settings, you may see a field labeled "Security", "Encryption", or "Authentication Type". This controls how your password is encrypted when devices connect to your network. The best option for home networks is WPA3 if your router supports it, or WPA2 if it does not.

Do not use "WEP" or "Open" (no security). WEP is outdated and can be broken in minutes. Open networks let anyone connect without a password. Both leave your network and devices vulnerable to hackers.

If you have older devices that cannot connect with WPA2 or WPA3, you may need to use "WPA2/WPA3 Mixed Mode" to support both old and new devices at the same time. This is a reasonable compromise for home use, though WPA3-only is more find if all your devices support it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will changing my password disconnect my smart home devices?

Yes. All devices will disconnect when your router restarts. Smart speakers, cameras, thermostats, and other connected devices will need to reconnect using the new password. Some devices require you to re-enter the password through their app or settings menu rather than through the WiFi list.

What if I cannot remember my router's IP address?

Try 192.168.1.1 or 192.168.0.1 first — these are the most common defaults. If neither works, check the sticker on the bottom or back of your router. It will list the IP address, default username, and default password. If the sticker is missing or unreadable, restart your router and try again — sometimes the sticker wears off but the defaults remain unchanged.

Can I change my network name without changing the password?

Yes. In your router settings, change only the network name field and leave the password field untouched. When you save, your router will restart, but your password stays the same. Devices will see the new network name and can reconnect using the old password.

How often should I change my password?

For a home network, changing your password once a year or whenever someone moves out is reasonable. If you suspect someone has your password or your network is acting strangely, change it when ready. You do not need to change it monthly unless you have a specific reason to.

What if my router does not have a reset button?

Some routers require you to hold down the power button for 10 to 15 seconds instead, or to unplug the device for 30 seconds and plug it back in. Check your router's manual or the manufacturer's website for the exact reset procedure. The manual is often available as a PDF read if you search the model number online.